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What a Year! 2012 remembered

2012 was a remarkable year for Wump Mucket Puppets.

I performed the final show of the year last night for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati. It’s one of my favorite places to perform. Why? Read on…

I was about to bring all of my puppet gear into the children’s theatre when all of the guests and staff were exiting the building. The fire alarms had been set off inside due to smoke in the kitchen area, luckily no one was hurt and the situation was under control quickly. I am glad I was still wearing my Oscar the Grouch hoodie.

When everyone was allowed back inside, I set up the puppet stage and prepared to perform the show. Guests gradually entered the children’s theatre to see the show. Then it was showtime! Everything went well, the guests sang along to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, joined in for a few knock-knock jokes, and had some fun. During our post-show meet & greet the puppets met a few of the children in the audience and passed out coloring sheets (with a few extras for later).

I then began to pack up the puppets, sound equipment, and stage when a volunteer brought three children into the theatre. She told me that they were with a sibling who had just been admitted to Children’s Hospital and had driven from Portsmouth, Ohio, about a two hour drive from Cincinnati. The volunteer asked if I would bring the puppets back out for these children. I didn’t miss a beat and brought out Cyril for some friendly chit-chat and a tune. Coleman then shared a couple of his knock-knock jokes and talked about the Bengals with the two boys and The Reds with the young lady. Finally G’Wazzl barked “Jingle Bells” for the kids and wished them a good night and happy new year. They left the theatre with some of our coloring sheets and smiles on their faces.